Disability and the Language of Awareness

How to Speak with Respect

By L. R. Gillson

When I interact with the public in either my professional or personal life, I seldom consider my blindness to be a barrier to an effective conversation, but I am quickly reminded by those with whom I am speaking that it can be. Their discomfort is palpable, their curiosity obvious. The specific nature of our conversation becomes secondary to what is really on their minds: How do I address a person who is blind? Can I ask about it? What should I say? Most people seem to be asking me to put them at ease before we can proceed with a discussion. My experience has been that most people want to do the right thing, want to say the proper words, but they simply do not know what the "right thing" is. This has also proved true with other speaking professionals. I am frequently consulted on the appropriate language that should be used when presenting to diverse audiences.

For speakers who give presentations in either the corporate or community setting, below is a short tip list on the language of awareness that you can use to make your talks more sensitive, accurate and inclusive.

Put the individual before the disability. For example, say “people with disabilities” instead of “the disabled”; for “handicapped” or “mentally slow,” say “people with disabilities,” “people who are blind,” and “people who are developmentally disabled.” This is respectful and empowering, as it places the emphasis on the individual, as opposed to defining that person by their disability. This practice is usually referred to as “people first” language. People first language is the use of respectful and accurate terminology that is preferred by people with disabilities.

Avoid euphemisms. It is not necessary to use phrases, such as “differently abled,” “handi-capable,” or “challenged.” This implies that disability is not a topic that can be discussed in a straightforward manner, and it only emphasizes the differences between us.

Avoid dramatic language or language that sensationalizes disability. Using phrases, such as “afflicted with” or “suffers from,” reinforces the idea that the individual is a victim.

Here are other examples of positive and affirming language versus insensitive or negative language. Instead of “psycho” or “mentally defective,” use “a person with a mental illness” or “a person who is mentally retarded.” If you know of someone who has a sensory disability, they can be referred to as “a person who is blind,” “a person with low vision,” or “a person who is deaf,” as opposed to “the blind,” “sight challenged,” or someone who “suffers from hearing loss.” If you know of someone who is paralyzed or is unable to ambulate, that person is said to be mobility impaired, not “crippled” or “wheelchair bound.” That individual is simply a person who uses a wheelchair.

Here in the Pacific Northwest, we may tend to identify more with small-town America rather than with metro urban sprawl or the concrete jungle of the big cities. You personally may not know many people with disabilities or any at all. Therefore, you may not have considered why it might be important to alter your vocabulary in this way. It's true that the person standing before you may not appear to have a disability, but they may be married to, related to, or care for someone who does. If you are speaking in front of a group, there is no way to know which members of your audience fall into which category. Using the language of awareness is an act of courtesy and respect that can set a powerful example for others to follow in their everyday communication.

Copyright © 2005 by Laura Gillson. All rights reserved.